The Bayelsa State Higher Education Students Loan Board (BSHESLB) is seeking collaboration with its Federal counterpart, Nigerian Education Loan Fund for a robust students loan scheme.
Chairman of the Bayelsa Students’ Loan Board, Dr Michael Amaegberi who disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with journalists in Yenagoa said the collaboration would break a major barrier in the cost of higher education and play a pivotal role in creating a more affordable and accessible education system.
Amaegberi said that the delegation from Yenagoa met with officials from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to discuss ways in which both organizations could work together to support students’ educational pursuits.
According to him, while the Nigerian Education Loan Fund is a federal government agency that provides loans to students, with a focus on promoting access to education for underprivileged students.
The Bayelsa State Higher Education Students Loan Board on the other hand has disbursed loans to thousands of students, empowering them to achieve their academic goals and ease the financial burden on students and their families.
Amaegberi said the meeting resulted in both parties agreeing to collaborate and share best practices to create a more sustainable and inclusive education financing system.
He described the partnership between the two agencies a step in the right direction towards creating a brighter future for the youth of Nigeria.
He said, “The visit of the Bayelsa State Higher Education Students Loan Board to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund in Abuja is a significant step towards building partnerships for a brighter future.
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“By working together, they aim to provide students with the financial support they need to pursue their dreams and contribute to the development of their communities, state and the nation as a whole.
“Empowering the youth through education has always been a crucial factor in building a brighter future. However, the cost of higher education can be a major barrier for many students, hindering their dreams and aspirations.
“This is where partnership and collaboration play a key role in creating a more affordable and accessible education system. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to students from all walks of life, enabling them to pursue their educational goals without worrying about the burden of high interest rates.
“This progressive approach not only promotes equal opportunities for students but also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
“Moreover, this partnership goes beyond just providing loans. It also involves mentorship and guidance to help students make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
“This holistic approach ensures that students not only have the financial means to complete their education but also have the necessary support to succeed in the future” Amaegberi said.
